Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Programme

At Nelson Mandela University we believe in fostering excellence and have developed a prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Programme that recognises and rewards high achievers.

Up to 25 top achievers are selected on the basis of exceptional academic merit. The Scholarship - value at R89 000 per annum* - is renewable for each year of a first full-time Nelson Mandela University undergraduate degree or diploma programme, provided academic performance remains of the highest standard.

A Vice-Chancellor‘s Scholar has access to benefits that will enhance their academic experience. One of the most important aspects of receiving the Scholarship is to become part of a community of fellow recipients at Nelson Mandela University . Scholars are given an opportunity through a tailor-made development programme to get to know students from around the country who share a commitment to academic excellence, and to enhance your academic and leadership potential.

The Scholarship is open to South African students only. High-achieving school leavers and those who have taken a break from study for up to two years after Grade 12, who are entering university for the first time on the basis of the Grade 12 results, are welcome to apply.

To be considered by the scholarship selection panel an academic aggregate of at least 75% in the Grade 11 (final) and 12 June/September and end examinations is required. Cambridge students with a school performance score of between 41 and 48 will be considered for selection.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2018 ARE NOW OPEN - to apply please download a form from the tab on the right. ALL supporting documentation (ID + GR 11 + GR 12 June & Sept. results) must accompany your application in order to be considered. You must also have applied to study here in 2018.

*(subject to change at the discretion of the university)

As part of the Connect 2 Your Future (C2F) programme, first year Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship students attend a session on “Basic Budgeting” offered by Jackie Palframan, a Senior Lecturer in the Nelson Mandela University Financial Planning programmes. Jackie (back, right) was invited to advise the VC’s Scholars on planning their finances to ensure their bursaries were wisely used. Students admitted to the programme complete a number of workshops and individual mentoring to assist them in their transition to university life. In addition, the program provides academic support through academic advising and monitoring, mentoring, career and psychosocial counselling. The C2F programme is a joint initiative run by the Department of Student Governance and Development, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Media and Student Counselling, Career & Development Centre.

“The key to fundamental social transformation lies in unlocking all human potential. It can only be built on the basis of striving for the best that lies deep within us all – a quest for excellence. ”